Weavers of Words, Keepers of the Herd: Exploring the Oral Traditions and Nomadic Roots of The Gambia’s Mandinka and Fula Peoples

By Kwadwo Afrifa – June 09, 2025 06:35pm

Our expansive journey through Africa’s diverse cultures now takes us to The Gambia, West Africa’s smallest mainland nation, a sliver of land hugging the Gambia River. Here, we delve into the rich traditions of its two most prominent cultural groups: the Mandinka and the Fula (Fulani). Their distinct yet often intertwined histories, vibrant oral traditions, and traditional livelihoods offer a compelling study of cultural resilience and interaction in the Senegambia region.

The Gambia’s history is deeply shaped by its river, which historically served as a vital trade route, connecting the interior to the Atlantic coast. This geographical centrality facilitated the interaction and co-existence of diverse ethnic groups (Quinn, 1972).

The Mandinka: Heirs to Empires and Masters of the Griot Tradition

The Mandinka people (also known as Mandingo) are the largest ethnic group in The Gambia, part of the broader Mande linguistic family that once formed the core of the powerful Mali Empire. Their culture is characterized by a rich historical legacy and a profound oral tradition.

 * The Griot (Jali) Tradition: A cornerstone of Mandinka culture is the institution of the Griot (or Jali). These hereditary professional bards, musicians, and oral historians are the living libraries of Mandinka society. They preserve and recount genealogies, epic poems (like the Epic of Sundiata), historical events, proverbs, and social commentaries through song, music (especially on the kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute), and storytelling. The Griot’s role is not just entertainment but crucial for transmitting cultural knowledge and maintaining social cohesion (Charry, 2000; Innes, 1974). Imagine the mesmerizing sound of a kora accompanying a Griot’s powerful recitation of ancient tales.

 * Islamic Heritage: Islam, predominantly Sunni, is deeply integrated into Mandinka daily life and cultural practices. Islamic scholarship, education (in Quranic schools), and religious festivals are central to their communities, influencing social norms, legal practices, and ethical values.

 * Agricultural Practices: Traditionally, the Mandinka are agriculturalists, cultivating crops such as peanuts (a major cash crop), rice, millet, and sorghum. Their lives are closely tied to the cycles of planting and harvest, and communal farming practices foster strong social bonds.

 * Social Organization: Mandinka society traditionally features a hierarchical structure, including nobles, free commoners, and a caste of artisans (including griots and blacksmiths). Kinship and lineage ties are fundamental to social organization.

The Fula (Fulani): Across the Sahel, Rooted in Pastoralism

The Fula people (also known as Fulani, Fulbe, or Peul), whom we’ve encountered in various West and Central African contexts, also constitute a significant ethnic group in The Gambia. Their culture is defined by their historical pastoralist lifestyle and a distinct code of conduct.

 * Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Pastoralism: While many Fula in The Gambia have become sedentary, their cultural identity remains strongly linked to pastoralism, specifically the herding of cattle, sheep, and goats. Their traditional nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle has imbued them with resilience, a deep understanding of natural environments, and a strong sense of independence (Stenning, 1959, although his primary work is on Nigerian Fulani, the principles apply).

 * Pulaaku: The Fulani Code: The core of Fulani identity is Pulaaku, a complex ethical code emphasizing qualities like patience (munyal), self-control, modesty (semteende), courage (forteke), and foresight. This code guides their social interactions and distinguishes them culturally (Riesman, 1977).

 * Islamic Adherence: The Fula are predominantly Muslim, and Islam plays a central role in their religious and social life. Historical jihads led by Fulani scholars were instrumental in the spread of Islam across West Africa, shaping both their religious practices and their political structures.

 * Distinct Language and Oral Tradition: The Fula language (Fulfulde or Pulaar) is a Nilo-Saharan language, distinct from Mandinka. It boasts a rich oral tradition of poetry, songs, and proverbs that reflect their nomadic experiences, their connection to cattle, and their Islamic heritage.

 * Art of Adornment: Fulani aesthetic is often expressed through elaborate body adornment, intricate hairstyles, decorative tattooing, and the embellishment of utilitarian objects like milk gourds and calabashes.

A Shared Path in The Gambia

The Mandinka and Fula, along with other ethnic groups, coexist and interact in The Gambia, contributing to a vibrant national identity. While some cultural differences persist, intermarriage and shared national experiences foster a sense of unity. As The Gambia continues its development, preserving these rich oral traditions, linguistic diversity, and traditional livelihoods remains crucial for maintaining its unique cultural heritage.

The Mandinka, with their powerful Griot tradition and imperial echoes, and the Fula, with their resilient pastoralist spirit and the guiding principles of Pulaaku, together paint a compelling picture of The Gambia’s diverse and enduring cultural landscape.

Our next article will take us back to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where we will explore the continued presence and shared heritage of the Kongo people.

References:

 * Charry, E. (2000). Mande Music: Traditional and Modern Music of the Maninka and Mandinka of West Africa. University of Chicago Press.

 * Innes, G. (1974). Sunjaata: Three Mandinka Versions. School of Oriental and African Studies.

 * Quinn, D. B. (1972). Mandingo Kingdoms of the Senegambia: Traditionalism, Islam, and European Expansion. Northwestern University Press.

 * Riesman, P. (1977). Freedom in Fulani Social Life: An Anthropological Study of the Fulani of Niger. Basic Books.

 * Stenning, D. J. (1959). Savannah Nomads: A Study of the Wodaabe Pastoral Fulani of Western Bornu Province Northern Region, Nigeria. Oxford University Press. (While focused on Nigeria, provides core understanding of Fulani pastoralism and values).

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